Support Us Button Widget

Musicians, comedians, and poets unite: Open mic nights around Indy

Whether you’re looking to test out some new music or start working toward your Netflix standup special, here are a few spots around town where you can take the stage.

INDYtoday: INDY_Irving Theater open mic night_MAR24

Irving Theater hosts acoustic-only open mic nights every Monday.

Photo by @ramediallc

Tap tap... *mic screech*

Whether your idea of a fun night out is working on your “tight five,” playing your newest original song, showing off your Shakespearean sonnets, or simply enjoying the show from the audience, here are open mic nights all over Indy you can check out.

Just for laughs

Fountain Square Brew Co. | Every Wednesday, 7-10 p.m.
Not a joke: During comedy open mic night, pints are $5. Pro tip: The brewery hosts events (like karaoke and game night) most nights of the week, so follow along on Instagram for the lineup.

Helium Comedy Club | Select Tuesdays, 8 p.m.
Sign-ups for three-minute sets typically open on Thursday the week before the event and end 24 hours later. The club gets more than 100 sign-ups every week, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get chosen right away.

We all just wanna be big rockstars

The Red Lion Grog House | Every Wednesday, 7-10 p.m.
Treat yourself after your feat of bravery with some fish and chips or bangers and mash.

Books and Brews | Every Thursday, 7-11 p.m.
Acts are allowed three songs or a 15-minute set. Poetry or storytelling is also welcome, and all material must be family-friendly. Bonus: The space also hosts open jam sessions for musicians of all skill levels every Monday starting at 3 p.m.

INDYtoday: INDY_Indy Reads poetry open mic night dance_MAR24

Indy Read’s open mic nights welcome poets, prose writers, musicians, and even dancers.

Photo by @indyreadsorg

Write on

Indy Reads | Second Saturday of each month, 4-7 p.m.
The first hour of this monthly gathering is reserved for an open writers’ workshop. Afterward, all are welcome to take the stage and share their poetry.

Irving Theater | Every Thursday, 7-9 p.m.
Local poets are invited to share original pieces on the historic stage (or outdoors on the deck in nice weather). The theater also hosts an open mic night for original acoustic music every Monday from 7 to 10 p.m.

More from INDYtoday
Ready to live your Nancy Kerrigan or Michelle Kwan fantasy? Here are some local ice skating rinks where you can polish your skills (or barely scoot along — we get it).
Explore a variety of enchanting wedding venues around Indianapolis with our comprehensive guide. From rustic historic buildings to elegant ballrooms, we make it easy for you to discover the perfect location for your dream wedding.
This year, igloo pop-ups at local bars and restaurants are all the (icy-hot) rage. Here are a few you can try for yourself.
Saunas are no longer just about sweating it out — they’re becoming Indy’s newest way to unwind, socialize, and network.
Avril Lavigne? Check. Keith Urban? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
“Wicked: For Good” hits theaters on Friday, Nov. 21. Here’s how we’d spend one short day in the Circle City just like Elphaba and Glinda.
Warm your hands and heart with these soulful, hearty soups around the Circle City that are perfect served on a cold winter day.
If you feel inspired to run, walk, or trot as the weather starts cooling down, check out these seasonal struts happening around Indy.
The Clowns are returning to Indy after more than 35 years. Here’s how they originally got to the Circle City, plus some fun trivia facts to impress your friends.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.